POLITICAL ECONOMY OF SUFI SHRINES IN PAKISTAN: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF JHANG DISTRICT

Abstract

Natives of the Subcontinent are credulous by nature, which provided the spiritual elite a rich soil to grow tall. In Pakistan, the study examines the influence of spiritual elites, including Sajjada Nashins and Pirs, in politics, particularly during the 2018 general elections and the case of Jhang District. Examining past, present, and social aspects, the research explains how such custodians began as guides in spiritual life and now utilize their religious influence in elections to secure office. Because of the legacy left by colonialism, Pirs today influence rural areas, especially in Punjab and Sindh, due to the land, honorary titles, and judicial positions they were given. The paper explains, using cases of active shrine families such as Sultan Bahu, Shah Jewna, Sial Sharif, and Taunsa Sharif, that religious patronage helps maintain political monopolies and hurts the growth of democracy. According to the findings, shrines maintain and shape culture and beliefs; however, their use in politics today helps feudal traditions persist, weakens leadership based on skills and accomplishments, and makes it more difficult for rural people to support democracy. This paper aims to examine the influence of the spiritual elite on our politics, while also shedding light on the vast wealth amassed by the Pirs through spiritual exploitation.

Keyword: Sajjada Nashins, Electoral process, Shrines, Pirs